Second Soil Session

The first turning of the soil included all of the roots and green being removed for composting. I added peat moss and compost which only replaced the volume removed. That brings the bed back to ground level, which is good, however the soil will take longer to warm up in the spring. The more I think about the long term strategy, it seems best to get the soil above ground level to keep the roots systems warm and happy. This should lengthen our growing season too.

Lessons learned. The second patch is now turned without the roots being removed-they can compost down below as we build the soil on top of their remains. Except for the first couple of rows, I was able to bury the old roots that was once on top about a spades length down in the ground. I added compost and peat moss so now the surface of the bed is above ground level by three or four inches. There is still the intention to add some top soil, however this second bed needs a boarder to keep the soil from running off. I'm now thinking it would be fun to have one bed with a stone border. I do love stone. Chris was also talking about doing a wood border too. So we can work this into our plan as we pick out our vegetables.

There is one more swatch to turn and then we will have our 130 square feet turned completely.